Italy Introduces Temporary Border Checks With Spain After Deadly Ceuta Migration Surge

At least 60 people were reported dead after a mass attempt to enter Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish authorities said up to 60,000 migrants crossed within 24 hours, overwhelming the territory and creating a major humanitarian crisis. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said trafficking networks exploited a court ruling that limits immediate returns of migrants intercepted at sea. Spain deployed extra police and soldiers, while more than 37,500 people reportedly returned voluntarily to Morocco. Authorities plan a temporary reception centre and a buoy barrier near Tarajal beach. Italy said it would impose temporary passport checks on air and sea travellers from Spain for one month. The move triggered a diplomatic dispute after Italian officials linked the surge to Spain’s migration policies. EU officials said Ceuta and Melilla have special Schengen rules that prevent new arrivals from travelling freely into the wider Schengen area. Thousands of migrants, including children, were reportedly left without shelter. Some deaths were blamed on drowning, while others reportedly occurred during a crush near the border fence.

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